CAFC vs Brentwood Town – Preview
Following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Wingate & Finchley, Carshalton Athletic return to league action this Saturday with a challenging trip to early league leaders Brentwood Town.
Carshalton Athletic
After a goalless draw at Colston Avenue in the initial FA Cup tie, the Robins were knocked out in the replay, losing 3–2 at the Maurice Rebak Stadium. That result followed two consecutive league defeats, and the fixture list doesn’t get any kinder – with a visit to high-flying Brentwood next up.
Brentwood Town FC
Brentwood returned to Step 3 football this season for the first time since 2015/16, having won the Isthmian North Division last year with 89 points – four ahead of closest challengers Felixstowe & Walton United.
Despite their recent promotion, few would have predicted Brentwood to be leading the Isthmian Premier League at the start of September. But a fantastic opening run has seen them win four and draw one of their first five matches. They’ve also progressed to the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round after a weekend victory over Leighton Town.
Their season began with a hard-fought 1–1 draw at relegated Aveley, followed by wins over St Albans, Potters Bar Town, Burgess Hill Town, and a statement 5–1 victory at Cray Wanderers on Bank Holiday Monday.
After suffering heartbreak in recent playoff finals – losing to Canvey Island in 2021/22 and Bowers & Pitsea in 2023/24 – Brentwood finally got over the line last season. They now look determined to avoid the same fate they suffered in 2015/16, when they were relegated after just one season at this level.
Their early form suggests they have bigger ambitions this time, scoring a league-high 15 goals in their opening five games. The Blues are quickly becoming a formidable attacking force.
Likely line-ups
Carshalton Athletic
Kerbey, Shonibare, Ernest, Pepe, Sankoh, Dada, Janneh, Bradford, Ifeanyi, Smith, Salami
Brentwood Town
Minter, Reid, Royal, Cripps, Ogunleye, Edwards, Olukolu, Cole, Johnson, Thomas, Hudson
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
Luke Read returned to the starting XI against Wingate & Finchley after a spell out with injury. Kola Salami, who also returned to the line-up, scored in Tuesday’s replay and will be hoping to retain his place in Adeniyi’s starting side for Saturday.
Pre-Match Analysis
Brentwood enter this fixture on a five-game winning streak in all competitions, while Carshalton are without a win in four. On paper, the Essex side are clear favourites, especially with home advantage and a full week’s rest after sealing their FA Cup progress at the weekend.
Carshalton, by contrast, endured a midweek replay and will need to quickly refocus. However, Brentwood are relatively inexperienced at this level, whereas Carshalton are in their eighth consecutive season in the Isthmian Premier. The Robins also tend to perform well on artificial surfaces, which may work in their favour.
Key Player
Last season’s Isthmian North Golden Boot winner, Daniel Ogunleye, is definitely one to watch. The striker scored 36 league goals and added 7 more in cup competitions, bringing his 2024/25 total to an impressive 43.
He’s already netted three times in Brentwood’s opening five matches, including a brace in their thrilling 4–3 win over Potters Bar. The Robins’ defence will need to be at their best to keep the prolific 23-year-old quiet.
The Gaffer
Brentwood Town manager Keith Rowland took charge in October 2023, having previously managed Wingate & Finchley, Aveley, and Tilbury. In his first season, he guided the club to the Isthmian North playoffs, where they reached the final after a semi-final win at Bury Town. However, a penalty shootout defeat to Bowers & Pitsea denied them promotion.
Determined to avoid another playoff heartbreak, Rowland led Brentwood to the league title the following season. Now, with 13 points from 5 games, 15 goals scored, and FA Cup progress secured, he has made a flying start to life in the Isthmian Premier.
A former Premier League defender with West Ham and Coventry City, Rowland also earned 19 international caps for Northern Ireland. His experience and leadership have made him a popular figure at Brentwood.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Venue: The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Rd, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood CM15 9NN
Kick-off: 3pm
Admission: Adult: £12, Concession: £8 (Over 65, Student with ID)
Tickets: buy tickets here
